Treating Periodontal Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues, affecting countless adults across the country. While this condition is easily prevented with the adoption of an effective oral hygiene routine, it can also progress quickly if left untreated. In severe cases of periodontal disease, patients may find themselves facing tooth loss and jaw bone deterioration.

In addition to damaging an individual’s oral health, gum disease can also compromise a patient’s overall health by increasing the likelihood of other health problems such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. With these consequences in mind, treating periodontal disease as soon as possible is a critical part of restoring the health of your smile.

Types of Periodontal Treatments

There are several methods of treating gum disease and restoring the health of the dentition, each of which are recommended based on the progression of the disease as well as the condition of the smile. Common treatment options include:

Deep Cleaning: Also known as root planing and scaling, this non-surgical gum treatment removes plaque and tartar from the root surfaces and periodontal pockets. By thoroughly removing bacteria from the root surfaces, this treatment helps to prevent recurring infection and is often considered one of the less invasive treatment options for periodontal disease. Antibiotics and other antimicrobial therapy may be used to slow or kill the disease-causing bacteria.

Soft Tissue Lasers: Dental lasers can also be used to treat gum disease. During this treatment, bacteria and infected tissue are removed while the periodontal pocket is sterilized. As the laser cauterizes the gum tissue during treatment, patients are able to enjoy accelerated recovery as well as minimal post-treatment discomfort. Additionally, soft tissue lasers also help to stimulate gum reattachment to the teeth, minimizing the size of the periodontal pockets. 

Gum Grafting: In some instances of severe gum disease, root planning and scaling will not sufficiently restore gum health. These advanced cases of periodontal disease may require soft tissue grafting. During this procedure, the infected gum tissue is removed and replaced with donor tissue from a healthier part of the smile. In the long run, gum grafting surgery helps prevent further damage to the smile by covering the roots and reducing bone recession caused by periodontal disease.

Dental Implants: If left untreated, gum disease can cause bone deterioration, leading to weakened bone structure as well as increasing the likelihood of tooth loss. In combination with bone grafting and other bone reinforcement procedures, dental implants can be used to stimulate healthy bone regeneration as well as replace any missing teeth. In addition to enhancing the health of the dentition, dental implants also restore dental function to the smile, thereby comprehensively restoring health to the smile.

Periodontal Treatment in Newton

For patients experiencing symptoms of gum disease, seeking treatment as soon as possible is crucial to maintaining long-term oral health. In Newton, Dr. Ted Filandrianos and his team offer a range of specialized gum disease treatments and restorations to help patients regain their smiles. For more information about treating and preventing periodontal disease, contact ourNewton dentist today.

Periodontal Disease 101

What it is:
Periodontal disease, known as gum disease or periodontitis, is one of the most common causes of tooth loss. In the United States, it is estimated that half of Americans aged 30 or older have advanced gum disease.  While highly prevalent, this dental condition is preventable with a good oral health regimen.

Cause:
Periodontal disease symptoms become apparent as bacteria and debris accumulate around teeth and below the gum line and hardens into tartar. If not removed by a professional, tartar and bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums and weakening of teeth.
There are variables that can increase your risk of periodontitis that range from genetic predisposition and underlying health conditions, to certain lifestyle habits. Diet, taking certain medications, decreased immunity, and hormonal changes can also increase your chances of developing gum disease.

Stages:
Periodontitis begins with the onset of gingivitis. In this early stage, bacteria builds up, irritating the surrounding gums. As bacteria accumulate and plaque builds and hardens into tartar, there is a weakening of bone and connective tissue that keeps teeth in their sockets. As bacteria spreads, pockets that trap further bacteria begin to form around teeth and under soft tissue. In patients with advanced periodontal disease, teeth become loose and fall out.

Symptoms:
One of the most difficult aspects of spotting periodontal disease without help from a dentist is that the condition can progress slowly in patients and may not always produce obvious signs. Patients may notice:
- Gum tenderness
- Gum recession
- Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth or a change in teeth alignment
Diagnosis of gum disease typically involves visiting a dentist for a visual examination of your oral condition, as well as charting pocket depths and using X-Rays to check bone loss in areas with deeper periodontal pockets.

Treatment:
Early diagnosis gives patients the greatest chance of reversing damage with nonsurgical treatments. These procedures include root scaling and planing, which removes tartar and bacteria from surfaces of teeth and beneath the gums and smooths root surfaces,. Antibiotics that are either taken orally or topically as a rinse, can also be used to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
For patients with advanced periodontitis, dental surgery may be the most effective option to reduce pocket size and restore the healthy appearance and supportive structure of soft tissue.

Prevention:
Periodontal disease is preventable by practicing consistent and good oral hygiene. As a rule of thumb, you should be taking between 3-5 minutes twice day to care for your teeth and gums by flossing first to loosen any food particles and bacteria, and brushing to clean all surfaces of teeth. You should also visit your dentist twice a year for thorough teeth cleanings. Patients displaying early signs of gum disease may require more frequent dental visits throughout the year.
If are exhibiting signs and symptoms of gum disease, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you can receive treatment, the more likely you will be able to reverse any damage caused by periodontal disease.